USVI-On-Line

Having just read the thread on time shares, I thought I would get the ball rolling for suggestions on my May vacation. My husband and I were the perfect candidates to sell timeshare to about 30 years ago and to this day have no regrets about buying two of them. We have traveled all over the world with exchanges over the years but had never been to Mexico. Guess where this is going?

After a little browsing between RCI and II, we decided on a Cancun trip because you can get there from St Thomas in about 6 hours via Miami. I know I should know better but I booked everything without doing the research first. Now that I have done a little checking I am certain that we will need to escape.

Sure there are lots of Cancun fans out there but please remember I am a Coral Bay girl and the thought of being in "THE HOTEL ZONE" makes me quiver and not in that good way.So who can help me with what we can do realistically in a day trip since we have a rental car. I have tried to read Trip Advisor but I get sensory overload on that site. Please send me in the right direction. Gracias

When we went to Cozumel a couple of years ago, we took a day trip that included a visit to the ruins at Coba.

Here's the web site of the company we used - since you're renting a car you can probably do a good deal of it on your own if you do a little research.

I would have no qualms about taking the exact same tour with the same outfit - we enjoyed it that much! (We did the Maya Encounter tour).

http://www.alltournative.com/tours-products/overview

Here's my on line photo album page from that day: Our Maya Adventure - http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563995519YZNWaV

My times to cancun remind me of STT but on steroids. It isn't a laid back kind of place at least not where we were.

Tulum? that might be an ok trip...

We were there probably around 25 years ago. We got a cheap package to Cancun and were horrified to see what we'd gotten ourselves into. My wife had been there years before and we vastly underestimated the degree of the change that had taken place. . The hotel area was just the kind of place that we avoided. I imagine it's much, much worse now. We headed into Cancun town and were considerably relieved. Being in town seemed like being in Mexico. Being out at the hotels didn't. We still wanted nothing to do with the hotels, so hopped a bus down to Playa del Carmen, which then was still a sleepy beach town. It's since been transformed by development, but back then it was quiet, cheap and had spectacular beaches. We still had our hotel in Cancun but accomodations were so cheap in Playa that we gladly stayed there a few nights.

We took a bus to Coba which has wonderful Mayan ruins and, back then anyway, wasn't too touristed or commercialized. We spent a night in Coba then headed back to Playa with a plan to go on to either Tulum or Akumal, or both. We did neither, deciding instead to take a ferry to Cozumel to snorkel. Another plan that we weren't able to fit in was to go to Isla Mujeres where my wife had spent wonderful days on her previous trip.

We really enjoyed being in Playa, although it's very different now. Spending the day at the ruins in Coba was a highlight of my life, not just of that trip. I think I would have enjoyed Tulum, Akumal and Isla Mujeres. Cancun town was enjoyable, particularly at night. Cozumel felt pretty touristed, although it was quite beautiful. All of this was 25 years ago, though, and we haven't thought of going back (although I would love to have another day in Coba).

Check the lastest state department warnings about travel in Mexico. While most problems have been reported along the border, there is potential for crime throughout the country.

That having been said, we love Mexico- especially the area in and around Playa Del Carmen. Even in the past when we did travel there, we did not rent a vehicle. We were warned that there were problems with criminals, posing as police officers, pulling over tourists and robbing them. Some of the roads between Cancun and Tulum etc are fairly isolated.

Akumal...I believe there are several threads here on this place. It's quaint, pretty darn good snorkeling and safe. The majority of the villas/houses are owned by Americans and Canadians and they rent them out. We did rent a jeep and drove that route, but it's been a few years.

Don't stop your car for anyone. Gas up at public gas stations in larger communities.

Thanks and keep them coming. If I read some more I may be posting a free trip to Cancun on the Board!

ShipwreckPat,
Don't be discouraged about Mexico. Just be smart, like you would to any country you travel to. Low profile, blending in and enjoying the local flavor.

The country is certainly having it's political problems and drug cartel are a heavy bunch currently.

To be honest, Mexico has always been a scarey destination, since the 1960s or even before. It's a bit more high profile right now. But that never stopped us from going to several destinations there or driving there. Technology can bring the old unknown more forward to the press than it used to.

The US has posted a warning on traveling there, but they also have warnings to several other countries that I would travel to.


My personal opinion is that the drug cartel are a bit ticked off that we are legalizing pot!

I ditto Terry about Akumal. I still regret not listening to this forum about that. It isn't as glitzy as Cozumel or Play Del Carmen. The snorkeling is fantastic and I love the vibe. We were only there for a day--so I am not sure about other activities.

But . . . I really don't think I will be going to Mexico for a long time. There are so many beautiful places to visit without advisories.

Gina

One word about Cozumel - the area where you get off of the ferry from Playa is smack dab in the middle of the tourist/cruise ship passenger zone, in other words (IMO), the worst part of the island. But it is much different after the ship leave in the afternoon/evening.

The best part of the island is way south of town, and around to the east side, but you'd probably want a car to be able to visit there and get the most out of it.

DELETED

My boss was just in Cancun less than 2 months ago. He rented a car along with his wife and two children (aged 6 & . I asked him about the road checks (with armed guards) and he said that if you pass them a few pesos ($20 US) they're satisfied and let you go on your way.

augie wrote:One word about Cozumel - the area where you get off of the ferry from Playa is smack dab in the middle of the tourist/cruise ship passenger zone, in other words (IMO), the worst part of the island. But it is much different after the ship leave in the afternoon/evening.

The best part of the island is way south of town, and around to the east side, but you'd probably want a car to be able to visit there and get the most out of it.

My mom just got back from her second trip to Cozumel and they love it. She thinks Cruz Bay is too busy so Augie's description of the island outside the cruise zone must be true.

Tulum or Akumal would make a nice day trip. Tulum is about 80 miles south of Cancun. Akumal is about 60 miles south of Cancun.

I wouldn't try to do both in the same day, but taking a day for each if you have the time would be my recommendation. Playa Del Carmen is closer, but is quickly becoming another Cancun.